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    • 2 min read

Singtel begins construction of Singapore’s highest power density, hyper-connected green data centre

August 8 , 2023. SINGAPORE.

The 120,000 sqft, eight-storey facility is Singapore’s only data centre to be integrated with a cable landing station, providing its customers unparalleled international and domestic connectivity and enhanced network performance including lower latency and improved reliability.

Singtel has commenced the construction of DC Tuas, Singapore’s highest power density, hyper-connected green data centre, following a groundbreaking ceremony today with Guest-of-Honour Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) Chief Executive Mr Lew Chuen Hong.


Mr Lew said “Congratulations to Singtel on the groundbreaking of DC Tuas. It is encouraging to see companies such as Singtel invest in our digital infrastructure. IMDA will continue to work with the industry to architect a sustainable digital ecosystem that is internationally connected, to serve the long-term demands of Singapore’s digital future.”


When operational in 2025, DC Tuas will offer 58MW of IT load capacity to support the strong demand for high-quality, sustainable digital infrastructure while optimising land, power and water use. The 120,000sqft, eight-storey facility is Singapore’s only data centre to be integrated with a cable landing station, providing its customers unparalleled international and domestic connectivity and enhanced network performance including lower latency and improved reliability.


DC Tuas is Singtel’s largest data centre in Singapore to date and will support the Group’s decarbonisation goals with its low power utilisation effectiveness (PUE). DC Tuas will incorporate next-generation cooling capabilities that are able to support customers’ rack density of up to 80kW per rack with more efficient liquid cooling, thus lowering its PUE to below 1.3.


"DC Tuas is based on Singtel’s fourthgeneration design with the highest power density, and hyper-connected with a number of international submarine cables connected directly to it. "

Bill Chang,

CEO, Digital InfraCo,

Singtel


Mr Bill Chang, CEO of Singtel’s Digital InfraCo said, “DC Tuas is based on Singtel’s fourth generation design with the highest power density, and hyper-connected with a number of international submarine cables connected directly to it. This will be an important addition that will strengthen Singapore’s digital infrastructure and position the country as a key business and connectivity hub. It is also a key milestone for our new standalone digital infrastructure business to capture the significant demand for cloud services and the rapid rise of AI adoption in the region. With DC Tuas, we have leveraged our expertise and experience in designing, building and operating data centres to offer a differentiated value proposition to customers – a carrier-neutral advanced facility with access to exceptional connectivity and security. Singapore is integral to our regional data centre strategy and we look forward to continue supporting the country’s ambition to be a sustainable, global digital hub.”


Singtel currently provides 60MW of DC capacity in Singapore. The total capacity will grow to 118MW when DC Tuas is operational in 2025. Ahead of its construction, DC Tuas has already received interest from customers including hyperscalers, multinational and regional corporates, and Singapore enterprises.


In addition to its data centres in Singapore, Singtel has partnered Telkom and Medco Power in Indonesia, and GULF and AIS in Thailand, to build data centres in Batam and Bangkok respectively.


    • 2 min read

Why 40+ Countries Want to Join BRICS

Thursday, August 24, 2023.

Notably, the group accounts for almost 31.5% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and functions as a check on Western geopolitical influence.

BRICS—a coalition of large emerging economies comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—reportedly aims to expand nearly 22 years after its inception. Around 40 nations, including Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have expressed interest in joining the group in order to diversify their economies and strengthen ties with BRICS members. Notably, the group accounts for almost 31.5% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and functions as a check on Western geopolitical influence.


Countries who want to join BRICS


South Africa's BRICS ambassador, Anil Sooklal, confirmed that Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Argentina, Cuba, Nigeria, Venezuela, Thailand, and Vietnam were among the countries seeking to join the BRICS collective, Bloomberg reported. Separately, he said 22 countries have formally approached BRICS countries to become full members."There's an equal number of countries that have been informally asking about becoming BRICS members," Sooklal said.


Member nations divided on expansion plans


China and Russia are enthusiastic about expanding BRICS membership to boost their global influence.However, India and Brazil remain skeptical. India fears that their influence will be diluted and that the bloc will become China-dominated.Whereas Brazil argued that new members should be admitted transparently and based on a consensus among existing members.


Reasons for countries wanting to join BRICS


According to geopolitical analysts, BRICS is a globally influential bloc, with its member nations outperforming the Group of Seven (G7).The five existing BRICS countries account for almost 31.5% of global GDP, compared to 30.7% for the G7.Furthermore, with 3.14 billion people, BRICS nations account for 41% of the world's population.This obviously demonstrates the BRICS countries' power and importance, according to The Economist, adding that they are also considered a powerful counterweight to Western influence.


New Development Bank's growing popularity, influence


The New Development Bank (NDB), founded by BRICS in 2014, is another reason why countries are expressing a strong wish to join BRICS.Since its founding, the bank has financed nearly 100 projects worth $34 billion in core infrastructure sectors.This financing has attracted countries seeking alternative credit sources and serves as a counterweight to Western-dominated financial institutions like the World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF).


Expansion hurdles and BRICS' future prospects


Despite the interest of many countries in joining BRICS, expansion remains uncertain due to differing opinions among current members.India and Brazil's concerns about transparency and maintaining a balanced approach may hinder the bloc's growth.The future of BRICS expansion will depend on finding common ground among its members and ensuring that the organization remains cohesive and effective.


NewsBytes


    • 4 min read

Combating Visual Impairments: BCA Hosts Cataract Surgery Social Service in Puruk Cahu

August 02, 2023. JAKARTA, Indonesia.

Andi Kurniawan's determination led him to the RSUD Puruk Cahu, Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan, where a free cataract surgery was being conducted.

Facing almost three months of difficulty in working, Andi Kurniawan's determination led him to the RSUD Puruk Cahu, Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan, where a free cataract surgery was being conducted. Riding his old motorcycle, Andi traveled alone from his residence in Mantiat Pari Village, about 1.5 hours away from the hospital, and successfully registered as a recipient of the free surgery.


Being a husband and a father of three who depended on him became Andi's primary motivation to restore his vision to its former state. The free cataract surgery, organized by PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) and the Cataract Prevention Section of the Indonesian Association of Ophthalmologists (SPBK PERDAMI) at RSUD Puruk Cahu, was a rare opportunity for Andi and hundreds of other patients who attended on July 24-25, 2023.


Andi was among the 157 recipients of free cataract surgery during this event. The majority of these patients, ranging in age from 30 to 70, are engaged in farming and gold mining. The patients enthusiastically welcomed this initiative because, besides being cost-free, they would otherwise need to undertake a journey of approximately 7-9 hours to receive proficient medical care in Palangkaraya City.


"With this cataract surgery, I hope my vision can recover so that I can work again to provide for my wife and children at home," Andi shared after the operation.


Cataracts are one of the most pressing eye health issues in Indonesia. According to PERDAMI's data, in 2017, there were 8 million people with visual impairments, including 1.6 million who were blind and 6.4 million with moderate to severe visual impairments. Of this total, 81.2% of visual impairments were caused by cataracts.[1]1


Recognizing this, BCA has been conducting cataract surgery activities regularly since 2001. As evidence of the consistent implementation of the Bakti BCA program in various locations across Indonesia, a total of 803 cataract surgeries were successfully performed last year. In the same year, through its affiliated clinics, BCA provided medical services to more than 15 thousand patients.


Dicky Junaidi, the Head of BCA KCU Palangkaraya, stated, "As we know, there are many cataract patients in Indonesia, and this eye health issue has a significant impact on their lives. BCA is committed to helping the community achieve a better life through various activities, including conducting cataract surgery as part of social service. We hope this effort can improve the lives of cataract patients in Murung Raya Regency."


Hera F. Haryn, EVP Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility at BCA, added, "Cataracts still remain a pressing eye disorder in Indonesia. Although it can be treated through surgery, not everyone has access to good healthcare facilities. Therefore, since 2001, BCA has collaborated with various parties, including SPBK PERDAMI, to reduce the number of blind patients due to cataracts by conducting cataract surgery as part of social service. Despite a pause in 2020 due to the pandemic, we have reached hundreds of patients beyond Java Island so far. We hope that the Bakti BCA program can expand to reach more regions, thus reducing the number of cataract patients in Indonesia."




Picture Information:


SPBK PERDAMI and Bakti BCA Successfully Perform Cataract Surgeries on 157 Patients - The implementation of the Cataract Surgery Social Service program at RSUD Puruk Cahu, Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan, was successful, with 157 cataract patients undergoing successful surgeries. Dicky Junaidi, Head of BCA KCU Palangkaraya (left), presents a memento to Deputy Regent of Murung Raya, Rejikinoor, symbolizing the commencement of the mass cataract surgery activities there. (i)


Consistently Bringing New Light to Cataract Patients - PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), in collaboration with various parties including SPBK PERDAMI, has been working tirelessly to bring new light through cataract surgeries since 2001. Cataracts remain a significant health issue in Indonesia, with 8 million people suffering from visual impairments in 2017 alone. Of this number, 81.2% were caused by cataracts. Bakti BCA's contribution in Puruk Cahu, Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan, stands as evidence of the consistent effort to combat visual impairments. (ii)


Preparing to Embrace New Light - Andi Kurniawan (30), one of the beneficiaries of the social service cataract surgery at RSUD Puruk Cahu, is getting ready before entering the operating room. Andi is one of the 157 patients who came from various villages in Murung Raya, Central Kalimantan. The limitations of specialized eye doctors and medical facilities in the area have resulted in enthusiastic local participation in one of Bakti BCA's initiatives. (iii)


[1] https://www.kemkes.go.id/article/print/21101200001/katarak-penyebab-terbanyak-gangguan-penglihatan-di- indonesia.html


About PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (as of 30 June 2023)


BCA is one of the leading commercial banks in Indonesia with the core business of transaction banking. BCA also offers a full range of financial services in consumer, SME, commercial and corporate segments. As of March 2023, BCA has the privilege of serving more than 36 million customer accounts, processing around 77 million of daily transactions through a network of 1,247 branches; 18,348 ATMs as well as the 24-hour internet & mobile banking systems; supported by 24/7 Halo BCA contact center. BCA’s presence is complemented by a number of subsidiaries focusing on vehicle financing, sharia banking, securities, general and life insurance, digital bank, remittance as well as venture capital business. BCA is committed to building lasting relationship with customers, putting people first, and making positive impact on society at large. With around 25,000 employees, BCA's vision is to be the bank of choice and a major pillar of the Indonesia economy.


PT BANK CENTRAL ASIA TBK

Group Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility - CSR

Corporate Communication


Address:Jl. MH Thamrin No. 1

Menara BCA Lt. 22

Jakarta Pusat 10310

Telephone:(021) 2358-8000

Fax:(021) 2358-8339


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